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SOUTH CAROLINA PORTS REPORTS RECORD VOLUMES
July 12, 2022
South Carolina Ports achieved a record fiscal year in 2022 despite persisting supply chain issues bogging the maritime industry.
SC Ports handled 2.85 million twenty-foot equivalent units (TEUs) at Wando Welch Terminal, North Charleston Terminal, and Leatherman Terminal in the fiscal year 2022. For pier containers, which account for boxes of any size, SC Ports moved 1.58 million containers in the fiscal year 2022.
The gateway noted that it saw a 12% uptick in cargo this fiscal year, with more than 164,000 additional containers moving through the Port of Charleston than the year prior — driven by sustained consumer demand — as imports were up 22% year-over-year.
"In partnership with our great maritime community and logistics partners, South Carolina Ports has achieved yet another record year," said Barbara Melvin, SC Ports president and CEO. "Together, we have navigated ongoing supply chain challenges and implemented creative solutions to keep freight moving."
In an effort to keep imports and exports flowing through the supply chain, SC Ports has extended Sunday gate hours through at least September, given berth priority to vessels taking out more cargo, improved rail dray dwell times, leased more than 1,000 chassis out of its SMART Pool chassis fleet and hired 150 people in operations.
Melvin noted that SC Ports is using every means to add more fluidity to the supply chain.
"Our decision to invest in infrastructure ahead of demand is proving crucial in today’s environment," the new SC Ports chief added.
SC Ports infrastructure investment
SC Ports has invested more than US$2 billion into port infrastructure in recent years to handle record cargo volumes.
The modernized Wando Welch Terminal will soon boast 15 ship-to-shore cranes with 155 feet of lift height. The new Leatherman Terminal, meanwhile, adds a much-needed berth to the East Coast port market.
SC Ports noted that it is now developing the future Navy Base Intermodal Facility, a rail-served, near-dock cargo facility designed to efficiently move goods to and from the Port of Charleston via rail.
The Charleston Harbor Deepening Project is also on track for completion this fall, making Charleston the deepest harbor on the East Coast at 52 feet.
Senator Nikki Setzler added: "The development of a near-dock rail facility and barge system is crucial to supporting the efficient flow of goods throughout our state."
